"Nobody knows Gareth's state of mind because he doesn't speak.The only thing we see is the player arriving in and out of the training ground. But it's fine. Ideally we'd like him to stay here. This is where his future is.

"We are aware that Real Madrid are interested in the player. It doesn't mean that we are willing to negotiate on him. Our idea is to count on Gareth. Speculation has arisen with the player because of the quality that he has and the season he had last season, the amazing moments of individual brilliance. Ideally, we'd like the player to continue belonging to Tottenham.

"We can speak to the players regarding their ambitions and we can explain to them that at certain stages players are under contract and have the responsibility towards their clubs and we as club, or the chairman as the person who controls the club, has to defend their own interest."